Daniel Defense 16" AR-15 5.56x45mm Government Contour Barrel, Mid-Length Gas, 1:7 Twist, Hammer Forged, Chrome Lined

The Daniel Defense 16" AR-15 5.56x45mm government contour barrel is purpose-built for shooters who demand accuracy and longevity from their rifles. Whether you're assembling a modern sporting rifle for 3-gun, hunting, or general range work, this cold hammer-forged barrel delivers the consistency and durability that separates quality builds from budget parts. The government contour profile strikes a practical balance—stiff enough for precision shooting, light enough for maneuverability when it matters.

Cold hammer forging is the hallmark of this barrel's construction. The process uses intense hydraulic pressure from carbide steel hammers working at opposing angles to shape the barrel around a mandrel, simultaneously forming the chamber, lands, and grooves in a single operation. This method eliminates the defects inherent in other manufacturing processes and creates chamber specs so consistent that you'll notice tighter shot groups and more reliable feeding across different ammunition lots. The chrome lining extends barrel life by reducing fouling and corrosion—especially valuable if you run high-volume training sessions or shoot corrosive military surplus ammunition.

The mid-length gas system offers a sweet spot between reliability and recoil management. Paired with a 1:7 twist rate, this barrel stabilizes everything from lightweight varmint rounds to heavier 77-grain match ammunition, giving you flexibility in ammunition selection without chasing velocity. The 1/2x28 TPI muzzle threads accommodate standard AR-15 suppressors and flash hiders, keeping your options open as your build evolves.

If you're replacing an original barrel, upgrading a parts kit, or starting a precision AR from the ground up, a Daniel Defense barrel is an investment in consistency and reliability that will outlast trends and prove its worth over thousands of rounds.

Key Features

• Cold hammer-forged construction for exceptional accuracy and barrel life
• Chrome-lined bore resists fouling and corrosion
• Consistent chamber specs reduce shot dispersion and feeding issues
• Mid-length gas system balances reliability with manageable recoil
• 1:7 twist rate stabilizes lightweight to mid-weight 5.56 ammunition
• Government contour—proven profile for duty and sport shooting
• 1/2x28 TPI threads for standard suppressors and flash hiders

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition does a 1:7 twist barrel stabilize?

The 1:7 twist rate is stable across a wide range of 5.56 ammunition, from lighter varmint rounds around 55 grains up to heavier match and hunting loads in the 77-grain range. This versatility makes it excellent for shooters who don't want to limit themselves to a narrow ammunition window.

How does cold hammer forging improve accuracy?

The cold hammer-forging process creates a defect-free bore and the most consistent chamber possible. Because the chamber is formed simultaneously with the bore during hammering, tolerances are tighter and more uniform than other methods, which translates to more consistent shot placement and better reliability with different ammunition.

Will this barrel work with standard AR-15 components?

Yes. This is a standard AR-15 barrel with a 1/2x28 TPI muzzle thread, which is the industry standard for 5.56 rifles. It's compatible with typical AR upper receivers and mid-length gas systems.

Why choose a chrome-lined barrel?

Chrome lining reduces fouling from powder residue and offers superior corrosion resistance, particularly important if you shoot corrosive ammunition, live in humid climates, or put high round counts downrange without frequent cleaning. It extends barrel life and reduces maintenance needs.